About

Always learning from our past to build a stronger, brighter future

We all need a place that tells our stories of accomplishments, mistakes and dreams; a place that shares how our community came to be what it is today and why we live the way we do. We need somewhere that inspires us to keep our story going. The Heritage Museum is our remembering place in St. Joseph, Michigan, housing our area’s history, its artifacts and archival collections and a research library. This historical building along Main Street is carefully preserved and beautifully appointed. It presents our stories in spacious exhibit halls and creates new memories in elegant banquet facilities. Making that possible is our:

Staff: Meet the professionals who safeguard and enrich our local culture.

Board of Directors: Here are the community leaders who provide the vision and passion to keep the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center a vibrant regional resource.

Because sharing our stories is so important, admission is FREE to everyone. Come journey into our past, see our present with a deeper understanding and thrill at the possibilities for the future. And if we can become part of your life’s special events, please contact us. We would be privileged to weave your chapter into ours.

VISIT US TODAY

We are located at 601 Main Street, St. Joseph, MichiganAdmission: Free for all agesHours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am – 4pm; Thursday 10am-8pm
For more information or to arrange a group tour: (269) 983-1191Membership: Enjoy special event invitations, Museum Store discounts, a subscription to The Heritage Journal and friendships with people who share your passion for local history. Please join us today.

Programs and services include:

Public programs and events

Museum exhibits and education programs for students and scouts

A research library and archives – please call for an appointment so we can better serve you

Frederick S. Upton Fellowship Program in Public History

Support for the preservation of historical buildings and neighborhoods

Whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident, let the Heritage Museum take you on a journey through the history of Michigan’s lake frontier.

Vision Statement

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center will become a model for historical research, preservation, and education, where people enjoy history and appreciate how it affects their present and future.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is to engage the public in a vibrant organization that promotes historical preservation, education and research that relates to Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and the surrounding region. We seek to inspire our visitors to make a personal and emotional connection to the past by providing on-going historical exhibits and programs that enable all persons to see their present and future more clearly.

Core Values

There is a fundamental human need to understand the past in order to relate to the present and plan for the future. We are responsible to provide the resources to meet that need for everyone.

Search

Museum

Rentals

Programs

About

The mission of the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is to engage the public in a vibrant organization that promotes historical preservation, education and research that relates to Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and the surrounding region. We seek to inspire our visitors to make a personal and emotional connection to the past by providing on-going historical exhibits and programs that enable all persons to see their present and future more clearly.